HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-07 e-packetSPECIAL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL
OF THE
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
P.O. Box 711 (City Hall, 400 Grand Avenue)
South San Francisco, California 94083
CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM
400 GRAND AVENUE
MARCH 7, 2002
7:00 P.M.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to Section 54956 of the Government Code of the
State of California, the City Council of the City of South San Francisco will hold a Special Meeting
on Thursday, the 7th day of March, 2002, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Conference Room, 400
Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, California.
Purpose of the meeting:
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
o
Public Comments - comments are limited to items on the Special Meeting
Agenda
Study Session:
a) Employee retention
b) First time homebuyer program
c) Volunteer groups - policy direction regarding soliciting funds
o
Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6, Labor
Negotiations: City Manager; Agency Negotiator Steven Mattas
o
Adjournment
City of South San Francisco
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: March 1, 2002
TO: City Council via City Manager
FROM: Jennifer A. Bower, Director of Human Resources
SUBJECT: Employee Attraction and Retention Study Session
The economy is in a downturn, but the City of South San Francisco must maintain, and even
enhance, its services. To do this, the City must have first-rate, highly skilled, committed
employees. And while there may be a higher unemployment rate in the Bay Area than what has
been occurring in the last few years, the City still is experiencing difficulty in attracting and
retaining those highly skilled, committed employees for all classifications and especially for
certain specific classifications.
Many other public and private employers are in same predicament. In order to combat the
dilemma of employee attraction and retention, they have adopted creative methods to address the
issue. Although many employee groups comment that it is compensation and only compensation
that appeals to and keeps employees, professional studies have shown that this is not the
co~mplete story. Good compensation and good benefits are a very important element of employee
attraction and retention, but there are many others reasons why a candidate chooses an employer,
and ~Vhy an employee stays with an employer. The focus of this study session presentation will
be on those "alternate", low-cost or no-cost benefits that the City can provide that will attract
candidates to come here and, once they are here, to help keep them. While there is an array of
new, "alternate", low- or no-cost benefits, this presentation will spotlight only those that appear
· to be relevant to this City.
Attached to this memo, are several articles that specifically comment on "alternate" benefit
programs that enhance the workplace and increase employee attraction and retention.
Presentation handouts will be available to Council at the study session.
Attachments
JAB-03/01/02
F:LFile CabinetXPresentationsXRetentionXRetention Memo.doc
¢,oductivity ... .........................
Job Satisfaction 2001
It's not all about a paycheck ..............................................
£indings from The 2001
Randstad North American
Employee Review
Today's employees demand
more from their employers
and expect loyalty in the work-
place to be a two-way street
between employee and employ-
er. While the "three P's" of
employee manaqement - pay,
praise and promotion- may lay
the foundation for lOb satisfac-
tion, employees are extending
their workplace wish Ikt. The
2001 Randstad North American
Employee Review reveals an
overwhelming misconception
among employers: employees
are just in it for the money.
While pay is still important to
employees, iT does not top the
list of ways they define their
~. Understanding what
drives job satisfaction will le§d
to happier and more productive
employees, which ultimately
leads to happier customers and
a ~L. unger business.
The majority of employees (57
percent) say they are very saris-
fled with the type of work they
do and their own skills and
training (54 percent). But fewer
employees are very satisfied with
their current job (50 percent),
the company they work for (49
percent) or the way their career
is going (43 percent).
So, how can employers improve
the current employee perception
and keep employees happy? The
2001 Randstad North American
Employee Review found three
key elements that drive employ-
ee satisfaction: trust, flexibility,
and a career mindset.
Trust
This factor is perhaps one of the
more surprising findings in the
2001 Randstad Review.
According to the survey,
employees rank trust as the top
definition of job success and
satisfaction.
Nine out of 10 employees say
that true success is about being
trusted to get the job done.
Employees say trust is what real-
ly makes them feel successful,
more than money or title.
Employees say trust reflects an
employer's confidence in the
employee's ability to succeed.
After trust, employees rank
opportunity (84 percent) and
autonomy (81 percent) on the
list of factors that define success
in the workplace. Opportunity is
defined as "getting the opportu-
nity to do the type of work you
want to." Autonomy is defined
as "having power to make deci-
sions that affect your own
work."
Flexibility
This component of )ob satisfac-
tion carried over from the 2000
Review.
The Randstad Review found
employees who feel they have
some flexibility in when, where
or how they get their work done
are more satisfied with their
jobs. Finding ways for employ-
ees to achieve a reasonable bal-
ance between their personal and
professional commitments helps
employees feel a sense of con-
trol over their lives and work.
Employees who feel they have
control, rather than being con-
trolled, are more satisfied with
their jobs and their employers.
· 67 percent of people surveyed
rank flexibility as part of their
personal definition of work-
place success.
· 64 percent say "balancing
work and personal life" was a
high priority. The same per-
centage consider success a
high priority.
l· 47 percent said that both sue
cess and balance are currently
a high priority.
I· Employees say the idea of
having flexibility in the hours
worked is the most appealing
of all possible work situations.
· Eioht in 10 oeoole feel havinn
m-ore time for t~eir p~rs~l':~
life is worth any downside of
a job.
Career
Contrary to many employers'
perceptions, employees of all
generations are becoming less
likely to "job hop" (fewer than
among those surveyed in the
2000 Randstad North American
Employee Review). In fact, more
than three-quarters of employ-
ees say finding a company
where they want to work for a
long time is important. However,
when it comes to building a
career, there seems to be a
major disconnect between
employees and employers over
who is responsible for laying out
the employee's career path. This
gap in communication is per-
haps one of the strongest find-
ings in the 2001 Randstad
Review. It also remains consis-
tent with results from the 2000
Randstad Review.
Six in 10 employees say that it
would be great if an employ-
er did help them think about
a career.
from their work makes them
view their work as a career.
· Men are more likely than
women to perceive they have
a career. Older workers more
than younger workers.
Higher-income workers more
than lower-income workers.
College graduates more than
people who did not attend
college. Executives more than
white-collar workers. And
white-collar workers more
than blue-collar workers.
· Many employees feel their
workplace should provide
more training. 37 percent of
the workforce is specifically
trained for the work they do,
compared to 62 percent who
say they fell into their job.
· More than 80 percent say
that receiving training that
increases theic sk~ls and abili-
ties is a key component of
what they are really looking
for in their jobs. ,.~
About Randstad North America
Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga.,
Randstad North America is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Randstad
Holding nv, a $6 billion international
professional sen/ice provider. Each
year, Randstad North America repre-
sents more than 500, 000 individuals
in a wide variety of skill ~egments and
provides employment sc.,,'ices, out-
sourcing and counsel to businesses
through ifs mom than 500 branch
offices located across the United
States and Canada. In keeping with
its focus on attracting and retaining
the best talent, Randstad offers short-
and long-term assignments, contract
engagements and direct hire opportu-
nities. Potential employee~ receive
skill assessments, career counseling,
training and benefits, including health
and dental coverage, paid vacation
and generous employer contnbutions
to a 40~(k) plan. More information is
available at the company's website,
ww~ us randstad, com.
About Roper Starch Worldwide
Roper Starch Worldwide ranks among
the top 20 largest global marketing
research and consulting
firms. Flagship sen/ices include Roper
Reports trend research, the annual
Global Consumers Survey of 30 coun-
tries, and the FORTUNE/Roper
Corporate Reputation Index. The
· 57 percent of the North company has its headquarters in
American workforce perceive Harrison, NY, and offices in New York
their job a~; a "career." About City, Princeton, NJ, Nashville, TN,
40 percent say their work is Dallas, TX, San Francisco and Newport
"just a job." Beach, CA, and London.
· 81 percent of employees say
getting personal satisfaction
Fl
IT'S THE NAIVW OF THE_6
Perhops the most sou§hr o['ter benefit empbyees wonl is flexibility in lheir
employers so they can 6elonce their work. and personal lives.
BY ANN VINCOLA
While some of the fluffier work/life
benefits may fall by the wayside in
light of today's economic slump,
there is one benefit that will
6onunue in full tbrce---Flexible
Work Arrangements. After all,
flextime isn't a per~:. It's a strategic
tool, especially now as workforces
are being trimmed. The surviving
employees--who are often the best
workers--may feel stressed and
overworked. Because these
survivors will be responsible for
implementing the future success of
the qbmpany's new vision and for
workin§,together to achieve these
goals, n"mnagement must take great
care in retaining them and
motivating them to put forth their
best effort. They must offer benefits
that are effective and efficient--
~eaning that these must be benefits
that are valued by a diverse group
of employees and that add value to
the company's bottom line.
EMPLOYEES WANT
FLEXIBILITY
Despite the massive layoffs,
competition for skilled workers i~
~redicted to remain tight.
Companies that maintain rigid
scheduling in lieu of adopting
flexibility run the risk of alienating
top prospects and losing valued
employees. After all, what do
today's workers value over money?
Flexibility. Or so say 6,000
American and Canadian workers
surveyed recently by Randstad
North America, the parent company
of several employment firms. The
telephone survey, condncted by
Roper Starch, found that employees
want to balance competin8 work
and family responsibilities. Fifty
one percent of employees said li:ev
would stay at their current iob
rather than switch if their em?loyer
offered flexible working hours.
Also, 62 percent said they prefer a
boss who understands when lhev
need to leave work for personal
reasons over one who could IMp
them grow professionally, Perhaps
most surprisingly. 51 perte~l nf
employees prefer a }ob thai offer~
flexible hours over one that off~'rt, d
an opportunity for advancmnent.
It shnuld be noted lhat tile desire
for flexibility does nnt translaw into
a lack of dedication. The survey
found that the majorily of
employees, fi4 percent, des¢ribe
themseh'es as ambitim~ wh,,n it
comes to work and career, and 61
percent agre~ thai to gel ahead at
work you must put in 11o perfent.
And 58 percent of emplc~yees fi'el
that it is within their
make sure lheir personal
not interfere with work,
The feeling of college qu ] mls
and retent grads echn fl~c~se ~,f
emp)oypes in the
2
,:
Flexible hours are still the most
sought after benefit for college
students and recent grads according
to the results of a survey released in
March, 2001 by JOBTRAK.COM, the
nation's leading online iob listing
service. Flexible hours was the clear
winner with 42 percent of
respondents choosing it as their
number one employment
incentive--up from 35 percent last
year at this time.
FLEXIBILITY ENHANCED
PRODUCTIVITY
Productivity is no longer measured
by face-time. Employers who strive
to meet the needs of their
employees and who offer flexible
work options reap the benefits. In
fact, a recent study by two British
organizations, The Resource
Connection and The Industrial
Society, found that senior managers
who can choose when and how they
work perform significantly better
than their colleagues who work the
traditional 8-hour day.
Researchers found that managers
rated those who shared iobs and/or
worked from home higher in
produc~vity, resilience, leadership
and con/mitment:
* ?0% of the sample were seen as
outperforming their full-time
colleagues and even doing better
than they had done as full-time
workers.
· 60% ranked very good or
excellent at problem-solving and
analysis.
· 60% ranked very good or
excellent at resilience in face of
setbacks.
· Those with flexible work
arrangements scored higher on
leadership and commitment.
· ?0% of iob sharing executives
were perceived to have 30% more
output than one person doing the
same job.
· Job sharers scored higher on
problem solving, teamwork and
flexibility.
Most studies report an increase in
productivity when flexible work
arrangements are implemented
properly. This increase in
productivity is often a direct result
of reduced stress, enhanced morale,
and more focus on the task and
results rather than face time.
Motivation and commitment seem
to increase when employers
demonstrate a sincere
understanding of the work/life
struggle today's employees face--
and back up this understanding
with programs and policies that
support flexibility.
FLEXIBILITY IN FLEXIBLE
WORK ARRANGEMENTS
Perhaps the greatest value of
flexible work arrangement lies in its
name: flexible. There are a variety
of options employers can use to
give employees the flexibility they
need. Here is a list of the more
common alternatives:
Flextime: Flextime is a time system
that allows employees to be flexible
with the actual hours that they
work. While flextime requires that
an employee work a pre-determined
number of hours within a given
time period (such as 40 hours
during a 5-day work week), there is
flexibility in the scheduling of these
work hours. So, flextime does not
decrease the number of hours
worked in a week, but it offers
employees a degree of flexibility
and control over their time.
Compressed work week: With a
compressed work week, an
employee can work the same total
number of hours per week or in a
two-week period, but not the same
number of hours each day. There
are many variations of how
compressed work weeks are set up.
By working more hours on the other
days, an employee may be able to
take off a half-day a week, a full day
a week, or a full day every other
week.
]'ob sharing: Job-sharing is a way for
two people to fill one iob. Each
person has a permanent part-time
post. They split the hours, pay,
holidays and benefits between them
according to how many hours they
each work.
Telecommuting: Telecommuting is
an option in which regular
employees work primarily off-site,
either at home or from a satellite
office. Given advances in
technology, the boundaries have
blurred about where and when
work gets done. Employees are
increasingly accessible to their
employers (and their employers to
them) making it feasible and often
prudent to work from outside of the
office.
Phased and partial retirement:
While the retirement age has fallen
steadily over the last century (only ~
about half of 62-year old men
worked in 1990, down from 8 out of
10 in 1950), 80 percent of baby
boomers believe they will continue
to work at least part-time during
their §0s and possibly beyond. As
such, traditional work and
retirement patterns are in flux. The
most recent trend lately is for
individuals to leave and re-enter the
work force several times throughout
their lives, interweaving work and
leisure time activities and thus
having the opportunity to create a
better work-life balance.
Flexible work arrangements
should be on the top of the list on
any company's work/life agenda; it
is the benefit many employees want
most, especially in today's lean
economic times. Most employers
should stop considering a flexible
work arrangement as an
accommodation and start looking at
it as a business strategy. Progressive
companies are quickly learning that
restructuring full-time work to
include alternative work options,
such as flextime, a compressed
work week and telecommuting, can
be beneficial to both the employee
and the employer. Allowing
employees to have flexibility and
some control over their work--
where, when and how they get it
done--should be a part of an overall
work/life strategy for any
organization. []
2001 19
TOD^Y S E LOYEES NF.m A
__,. ub!_.pt/ll
Tailor your Work/Life programsto help rneet employees needs and reduce
stress to increase productivity.
BY DENISE MARKLEY
Stress. It's, perhaps, the one
thing most employees have in
common. White collar or blue,
young or old, married or single,
with kids or without, workplace
stress continues to be a major
concern, according to ComPsych's
StressPulse for May 2001. In fact, 56
percent of employees are stressed by
their workload and their increasing
mount of responsibility.
Perhaps this is because, whether
they have family issues to support
or not, Americans work at a frenzied
pace. A 2000 study by Oxford
Health Plans reported that 34
percent of workers have such busy
jobs ~'~at. they have no down time at
work, and 32 percent eat lunch
while they are working. Almost one-
third never leave their building once
they arrive at work, and 18 percent
say they are unable to use their
ahnual vacation time due to job
demands.
The bottom line of American
businesses feels this stress as well.
The American Institute of Stress
estimates that job-related stress costs
U.S. industry $300 billion annually
through absenteeism, diminished
productivity, employee turnover,
direct medical costs, and legal and
insurance fees. In fact, AIS estimates
that one million workers are absent
on an average workday because of
stress-related complaints.
WE NEED A LITTLE PERSONAL
TLC
~mployers can help minimize
employee stress with negligible
impact on the bottom line by
ekpandino~ the scope nf their
work/life benpfits--especially their
resource and referral networks.
Resource and referral services have
traditionally connected working
adults to dependent care providers
for their minor children and aging
parents, and provided resource
materials to help baIance the
resulting demands of home vs. work.
However, what these services
often not do is help employees help
themselves, By giving employees
access to ~he information fluev need
to care of themselves, they can find
their own personal soluti~ms ia
controlling stress anti balancing
their lives.
"Just for Me" bern fils. as we call
them. are to resource and referral as
a day spa pass isto a berried
individual You don't have to be a
parent with chi}d care
responsibilities, or a working adult
with elder caregiving
responsibilities to appreciate and
benefit from "Just for Me" benefits.
Think of it as a waiting oasis where
you can go to indulge your own
needs and satisfy your personal
goals,
"JUST FOR ME" FOR
CAREGIVERS
According to Senior Care Action
Network (SCAN), seventy percent of
seniors who rely on a child for
caregiving are cared for by a
daughter or daughter-in-law. The
majority of those caregivers, 64
percent according to MetLife, also
have full-time jobs. In fulfilling their
caregiving duties, 64 percent use
vacation/sick time, 33 percent take
decreased hours, 22 percent take
leaves of absence, 20 percent drop to
part time, 16 percent quit their jobs
and 13 percent retire early. What's
more, according to ll'orking Il'amah
magazine, depression is three times
(continued on page 49]
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(conEnued from page 34)
as common among employees who care for aging
relatives than it is in the workplace as a whole.
These caregivers can--and should--tap into their
employer's resource and referral network to find
information they need to care for their elder friend or
relative: They can get names of care providers in their
area; they can obtain information on meals on wheels,
or transportation services. But, what about personal
help for the caregivers themselves? They need care as
well. By tapping into the "Just for Me" topical library
of Work/Life Benefits' resource and referral network,
caregivers can get educational assistance on
depression, anxiety, caregiver well-being, burnout,
support systems, coping with grief and loss --a host of
information they need to take care of themselves.
"JUST FOR ME" FOR CHILDLESS WORKERS
New Census data reveals a substantial increase in the
proportion of young, never married adults in their
mid-20s and early 30s. The Census Bureau found that
since 1970, the proportion of young American women
who had never married doubled for those age 20 to 24
(from 36 percent to 73 percent), and more than tripled
for those age 30 to 34 (from 6 percent to 22 percent).
In fact, the Census Bureau predicts that after 2005, the
most common type of households will be single
people and married couples without children.
Especially in light of these statistics, organizations
need to evaluate their work/life programs to make
sure they are providing something for everyone.
Perhaps more than any other alternative, making sure
that an organization's resource and referral network
addresses the total spectrum of life issues is an
efficient and effective way to offer meaningful
work/life benefits to all employees.
What did you see when you looked in the mirror
this morning? Teeth a little yellow? Skin a little
sallow? Hips a little heavy? Did you seem frazzled or
angry as you headed out the door? Were you worrying
how you were going to fit everything into your iam-
packed day? Male or female, young or old, with kids
or without, "Just for Me" benefits can help individual
employees with resource materials on:
· Teeth and gum care
· Smoking cessation;
· Cooking and eating right;
· Exercise and nutrition;
· Health appraisal;
· Assertiveness;
· Anger management;
· Goal setting;
· Time management;
· Proiect management;
· Second career options; and
· Job change/relocation.
(continued on page 52)
SOLL%'3ONS OCTORER 2001 49
25 Low-Cost Benefits to Try
Even if your organization is in the
I
midst of a belt-tightening period,
you can still offer a number of valu-
able benefits that will mean a great
· Voluntary (employee paid) auto-
mobile or homeowners' insurance. You
can probably obtain a better group rate
than employees could on their own, so
workers may value such options.
deal to employees, but that won't '1~ · Term life insurance through pay-
have a great impact on the bottom 'roll deduction.
eliminating the need for paper claim
forms, this can be a cost saver for your
benefits department, since employees
swiping a card at their doctors' offices
and paying themselves immediately for
out-of-pocket expenses means fewer
hours lost and less paperwork. Medibank
line Employees may be willing to ,6,
',. ....... ~ · Financial services seminars or re- is one company that offers this (Birming-
pay ~or certam t>enents--~I me em-<3'ferrals. Bring in outside experts to dis- ham, Mich.; www. Medibank.com).
ployer arranges for a group discount cuss financial planning strategies with,~ · Personal enrichment training fo-
price for them. Some benefits, such as,~ ~mployees cuses on self-improvement and positive
ATMs
or
dry
cleaning
services,
in-
Q~g-) · A wetness month that includes ses- attitude. Another training option: formal
volve finding a local vendor to come sions on topics such as stress management, career coaching and planning.
onsite and provide the service, rather nutrition, and alternative medicine. · Vision benefits in a specific dollar
than the company doing so itself.
Ideas to consider:
· Web-based concierge services.
· Onsite dry cleaning services.
· Onsite banking machines.
· Onsite wellness center.
· Overtime-work lottery for cash and
prizes during a time when heavy produc-
tion demands require all employees to
work 20 hours of weekly overtime.
· Employee computer purchase sub-
sidy. Paying for half of the cost of an
employ~ee's computer can help increase
out-of-the-office productivity.
· Reimbursement up to $250 annual amount, ratherthanbyhardwareorservice.
maximum for auto maintenance, veteri-~ ·Domesticpartnerbenefitsforsame-
narian bills, or pet insurance premiums, and opposite-sex couples.
· ~ · Partial reimbursement for fitness * Onsite aerobics and health cook-
club membership. You can put a dollar ing classes. You get the double benefits
limit on this if you choose, and require of healthier employees and bonding.
employees to submit a form to indicat~ · Employee portal to purchase addi-
their usage of the facilities, tional benefits such as long-term care.
· Potluck meals. Instead of the em- One provider that advertises full Web
ployer buying lunch for everyone, ask implementation in about 35 days: Re-
each employee in a department to pre- wardsPlus (Hunt Valley, Md.; 800-887-
1202; www.rewardsplus.com).
pare a dish. You get the same social and ax
team benefits at a much lower cost.
·
Pre-tax
transportation
reimburse-
* Flexible spending debit card. By ' merit. Some municipalities offer pro-
grams where employers can "buy" sub-
': ln>okincludes data to help control health and
_ b:er~,ftts COsts, develop an effective benefits
-strategy and buy automated benefits sys-
tem, as well as information on other, related
..subjects. Contact: IOMA subscriber services,
212.244-0360 or subserve @ioma.com. Cas/:
· $219., PlUS shipping and handling.
- iW3.~.~.. Wyatt 2001/2002 EC~ Survey on
.i:.~o~ Be~. Contact: Watson Wyatt at
'=. 201,84~l177or~.ecssurveys.com.
-: $870:'-. ;' ._
i ~'~" #um~n cap~a/'~ I~ee~ Care Trend
~7~iaamines insurance companies and
:'i:. m'~na'-~:ca3e organizations to predict health
':~ trend factors Influencing group health plans
~) th~"~. Contact: www. andersen.com and
!:..'~.~lk:k 0n ~'medla center~ to download the
:--:::: Benefits Resources
.!?~'2002 M~naglng Bene~ Plans Ye~r- ~e ~l ~mpanf s 2002 He~l~ Plan Cod
Tre~$un,o, indudes data similar to those in
the Andersen survey. Contact:. www.segalco.
corn and dick on 'what's new~ to download
the survey for free.
2001 5heriodr Expense Evaluattbn Report~,
published ~ Sherlock Co. (Gwynedd, Pa.), is
a comparison of health plans' administrative
costs. Contact: 215-628.2289; Web site:
www. sherlockco.com
'Exclusive IOMA Stud~. Costs & Technology
Top Benefits Managers' Planning Issues for
2002," IOt~IA's Report on Managing Bene,
fftr, Plans, December 2001 issue. Contact:
IOMA, 212-244-0360 or subserve@loma.
com ~'ostrThe December issue costs $25 and
can be purchased electronically for immedi-
ate downloading.
way or other transportation fares on a
pre-tax basis; or you can arrange for
workers to do the buying pre-tax so they
can save money on their commutes.
· Multi-employer subsidized day-
care plan. Team with other employers in
your building or area to share the costs.
· ~ · EAP "sanity savers." This is a per-
sonal assistant program that can make
hotel accommodations, arrange auto re-
pair, plan events, and do gift and person-
shopping.
· Flexible spending accounts. These
are becoming more affordable even for
smaller employers.
,~· Employee recognition programs.
Something as simple as a public thank you
and a company mug cost little but speak
volumes--and can improve productivity.
· Lunch with the CEO or other exec-
utive of your choice. It can be in the
company cafeteria, but giving employ-
ees one-on-one time with the organiza-
tion's leaders is a benefit, a reward, and
a wonderful opportunity to receive feed-
back from the front lines. F1
StaffReport
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
March 7, 2002
The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Director Economic and Community Development Department
City of South San Francisco First-Time Homebuyer Program
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council review and comment on the proposed program description for a
first time homebuyer program in South San Francisco and direct staff on identifying funding sources for
the program if the City Council is interested in funding such a program.
BACKGROUND:
City staff has been working with the County of San Mateo, lending institutions, various school districts,
and other cities on the Peninsula to create a uniform first time home buyer program for San Mateo
County. The goal of the program is to bridge the gap between what buyers can afford and the high cost
of housing on the Peninsula. By tapping into a variety of funding sources, including those of cities, the
state, the federal government, pension funds and other private investors the program will be able to
ma~!mize assistance for first time homebuyers.
For several years the County of San Mateo and several cities on the Peninsula have been helping people
buy homes through their first-time homebuyer programs. Typically, these programs provide low-interest
second mortgage loans with payments deferred for several years. Unfortunately, escalating home prices
have made most programs unworkable. Limited resources usually cap publicly financed second
mortgage loans at $50,000 to $75,000, an amount that is no longer large enough help most low- and
moderate-income homebuyers purchase a home. To solve this problem, the County, cities, and other
interested parties have formed the Countywide Housing Investment Partnership (CHIP) to develop a
first-time homebuyer program that creates incentives for community minded investors to help bridge the
affordability gap by making loans to low- and moderate-income buyers.
At the City Council's study session on March 7, staff will describe how a first time home buyer program
works, provide a definition of affordability and income eligibility, and explain how a first time
homebuyer program can help the City and school district attract and retain employees.
STAFF REPORT
TO:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
Page 2
Honorable Mayor and City Council
City of South San Francisco First-Time Homebuyer Program
March 7, 2002
CONCLUSION:
Based on the City Council's interest and comments on a first time homebuyer program, staff will design
a City first time homebuyer program and bring it back to the City Council for action. At that time staff
will also make a funding recommendation for the program.
~y: DMiraertcYtorVan Duyn 'v)
Economic and Community Development
Appt~Sved: Michael A. Wilson
City Manager
MAW:MVD:AFS
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 11, 2001
TO: Assistant City Manager
FROM: Director of Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Services
SUBJECT: Fundraiser Summary
The purpose of this memorandum is to summarize the fundraising activity that is currently
associated with the Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Services Department. Three types of
activities are identified: those that are sponsored directly by the Department to support or
augment City-mn programs; those that are conducted by a co-sponsored group to support non-
profit clubs affiliated with the Department; and activities of affiliated groups that are not
formally co-sponsored. These groups often collect dues to cover operating costs, however this
memorandum identifies only their supplemental "fundraising" activities.
I. DEPARTMENT-SPONSORED
Event
A. Holly Days Bazaar
Funds annual volunteer luncheon, other program
enrichment as directed by Senior Advisory Board
Program Approximate Net
Seniors $4,800
B. Fun Run
Genentech/local businesses solicited to
underwrite portion of event (Genentech did not
support in 2001)
Special Event $750
C. Silent Auction
Held every other year to supplement enrichment
materials used by childcare teachers
Childcare $2,500
D. Candy Sales and Book Club
Fundraiser to supplement curriculum materials
Childcare $1,500
To: Assistant City Manager
Subject: Fundraiser Summary
Date: October 11, 2001
Page 2
E. Concession Stand/Alta Loma Park
Cheerleaders volunteer in the stand to raise funds
for uniforms and to participate in competitions
Middle School $1,200
Cheerleaders
F. Teen Dances
Cheerleaders sell tickets to City-sponsored teen
dances to support their activities
Middle School $600
Cheerleaders
G. Day In The Park
Cheerleaders sold items at their Day In The Park
booth to support their activities
Middle School $900
Cheerleaders
H. Cultural Arts Commission
- Commission collects a 20% commission
from the sale of art work at City-sponsored
art shows
- Sponsored a Silent Auction/Spaghetti Dinner
to fund their Youth Art Scholarship Program
- Day In The Park raffle tickets
Commission $3,100
I. Soda Machines
Soda machines in the MSB lobby as well as at
the Terrabay Gymnasium are operated by
recreation staff; profits used to supplement
program supplies, such as sports equipment
Department $2,000
II. CO-SPONSORED GROUPS
The Department has a formal process with the co-sponsored groups. They are required to submit'
an annual report, which includes a financial statement and report of fundraising activity.
The following groups reported fundraising activity for 2000:
To: Assistant City Manager
Subject: Fundraiser Summary
Date: October 11, 2001
Page 3
Group
A. Senior Club
Raffles, bake sales
B. AARP
Gifts, donations
C. Widow and Widowers
Holly Days booth, cake service at Day In The Park
D. Historical Society (includes Museum and Plymire/Schwarz)
Fashion Show/EKS, October Dinner/Raffle, Craft Show
E. Youth Baseball Managers Association
Concession sales, Dinner/Dance, Hit-A-Thon, Raffle, Snappers,
Tournaments
F. Pee Wee Baseball League
Concession sales, clothing sales, Dinner/Dance, Tournament
G. South San Francisco Aquatics Club
Swim meet, vending machine (pool lobby), Aquathon
llI. PENDING CO-SPONSORED GROUPS
Pending Group
A. Friends of Parks and Recreation
Memberships, food sales at Halloween Extravaganza, Day In
The Park raffle tickets
The Friends have used funds to sponsor summer camp
scholarships, purchase supplemental equipment to support
Recreation activities, such as a bench for the Magnolia Senior
Center.
B. Ballet Folklorico
Farmer's Market sales, solicitation of business report. This
group has not formally applied for co-sponsorship; fundraising
not reported.
Approximate Net
$4,000
$9O0
$1,000
$5,300
$26,000
$17,000
$11,000
Approximate Net
$1,600
To: Assistant City Manager
Subject: Fundraiser Summary
Date: October 11, 2001
Page 4
C. Sister City Committee
This group does not formally report to the Department, however
they do conduct fundraising activities.
Please advise if any additional information is requested.
Director of Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Services
City of South San Frandsco
Memorandum
To: Mike Wilson, City Manager
From: Valerie Sommer, Library Director
Date: October 17, 2001
Re: Library Fundraising Activities
Local fundraising efforts by the Friends of the Library, Project Read and the
Community Learning Center are summarized below. All three groups, as well as the
Library Department as a whole, receive unsolicited donations throughout the year.
These fundraising activities are in addition to grant writing efforts.
Project Read
The annual Trivia Challenge is the major fundraising effort by Project Read staff.
Raffle ticket sales are the major source of income for this event. Raffle prize
donations are solicited from local businesses, and these donations are
acknowledged in the quarterly newsletter and on the Trivia Challenge program.
A letter of thanks is sent to each donor. Additionally, businesses are approached
and asked to contribute goods (soda, wine, etc) for the event.
On occasion, Project Read sends out a Holiday Appeal letter to tutors in the
program. Some of the tutors specifically ask for a letter because they want to
contribute to Project Read before the end of the calendar year.
Community Learnin.q Center
The Resource Development Group (RDG) was created in Fall 1999 to gather a
committee of community volunteers to help raise funds for the Community
Learning Center. Although we have been very successful at securing grants,
RDG efforts are seen as a means to sustain services when/if grant funding
diminishes. Elaine Burrell, then President of the Chamber of Commerce,
assisted us instartup efforts andagreed to Chair the committee during the first
November 1, 2001
year. Committee members were identified through personal phone calls and
referrals. Current committee members are Bill Boldenweck, Elaine Burrell, Lisa
DeMattei, Norm Faria, Mary Giusti, Yolanda Gonzalez, Mauricio Melara, Sylvia
Payne, Marc Teglia and Joy Ann Wendler. An orientation was held in February
2000 and the first committee meeting was held in March 2000. During the first
year, the committee met monthly and developed a fundraising plan to ask for
contributions from targeted individuals and businesses in our community. The
group developed collateral materials such as a brochure, stationary and a
website. In Fall 2000, the SSF Chamber of Commerce held a fundraiser dance
("Chamber Goes Country") and donated a portion of the profits to the Community
Learning Center. In Winter 2001, Marc Teglia volunteered to Chair the
committee. Using mailing lists developed by committee members, individual
request letters were mailed to local residents, Learning Center participants and
volunteers and SSF Chamber members. The group also began to solicit
businesses through presentations. We raised over $9,200 in this first round of
fundraising. Resource Development Group activities have been put on hold,
pending clarification from Council regarding fundraising efforts of City programs.
Friends of the Library
South San Francisco Friends of the Library, a non-profit, 501[c](3) group,
primarily raises funds through the sale of used books. This is a typical fundraising
activity for all Friends of the Library groups. Some books (an increasing number
actually) are donated and others are items withdrawn from library collections.
The library also gives some materials to other local non- profit agencies. This
facilitates our clearing out of outdated and damaged items and solves a major
recycling issue. Our Friends group has just received an honorable mention from
the Sustainable San Mateo County for these ongoing efforts. Prior to the large
Spring Book and Plant Sale in May, Friends officers solicit donations from local
companies (money, materials and/or services) and they usually hold a raffle on
this day.
In addition to book sales and related activities, Friends raises funds through
memberships and the occasional donation from supporters of the group.
Memberships begin at $10 (just increased from $5). For author programs, local
bookstores may make a donation of a small percentage of book sale monies to
the Friends.
The Friends have also been participating in the annual Day in the Park raffle.
Their ticket sales, though, are modest compared to other groups.
2